Lakeside Hospital Embodying The Planetree Philosopy

• The Planetree Model is a patient-centered philosophy committed to improving medical care from the patient’s perspective. According to this model, the role of a healthcare system is to provide an optimum healing environment for the body, mind and spirit.

• Lakeside Hospital will be the first Alegent Health hospital to open completely as a Planetree designated hospital. Over fifty hospital units and clinics within the Alegent Health system have gained Planetree affiliation.

*History of Planetree

• Planetree, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1978 by Angelica Thieriot after a series of traumatic hospital experiences. Planetree has been a pioneer in personalizing, humanizing and demystifying the healthcare experience for patients and their families.

• Planetree assists healthcare providers around the world in creating their vision of providing patient-centered care.

• The name "Planetree" refers to a sycamore tree that shaded Hippocrates as he taught medical students in ancient Greece.

Components of Planetree

• Human Interactions: Planetree is about human beings caring for and serving other human beings. This involves, not only the provision of nurturing, compassionate, personalized care to patients and families, but just as important, how staff care for themselves and each other; and how organizations create cultures which support and nurture their staffs.

• Empowering patients through information and education: Patient and family education is carried out through such strategies as customized information packets, collaborative care conferences and patient pathways.

• Importance of family, friends and social support networks:

• Spirituality: Recognition that spirituality plays a vital role in healing. Supporting patients, families and staff in connecting with their own inner resources creates a more healing environment. The Healing Garden and the chapel provide quiet places for relaxation and reflection. In addition, full-time chaplains are available on every Alegent Health campus.

• Importance of human touch: Touch, such as a simple hand massage or holding a patient’s hand, is an essential way of communicating caring and is encouraged when appropriate at Alegent Health.

• Arts and Entertainment: Storytellers, use of humor and movies on demand create an atmosphere of serenity in the Planetree Model. Artwork in patient rooms and treatment areas add to the ambiance.

• Complementary therapies: Because many patients are seeking treatment options that are more natural and holistic, it is important to expand the choices offered to patients, including aromatherapy, pet therapy, music therapy, Reiki, spiritual direction and journaling.

• Architectural design: The physical environment is vital to the healing process of the patient. Facility design such as easy way-finding, an abundance of natural light, private rooms and comfortable guest lounges help support patient dignity. Lakeside Hospital also features cozy fireplaces on each floor in the guest lounge areas.

• Nutrition and nurturing aspects of food: Good nutrition is not only an integral part of health, but also a source of pleasure, comfort and familiarity. Through Lakeside’s dining on call food service, patients can eat when they are ready to eat and choose from a menu of options.

*For more information about the Planetree organization, visit www.planetree.org.